Intel-based Mac minis
Products Reviewed
- Mar 9, 2006 12:00 AM
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Single
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At a Glance
One of two Intel-based Mac minis, this model features a 1.5GHz single-core processor. The form factor of this mini remains unchanged from its PowerPC-based predecessor, although it adds two additional USB 2.0 ports for a total of four while dropping S-video and composite ports. Internally, the new mini has a faster frontside bus and built-in wireless networking via AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth. The mini uses the Intel GMA950 as its graphics processor; since the chip doesn' have its own dedicated video memory, it shares memory with the main system RAM. The mini also gains the remote-and-software combo that makes up Front Row, allowing you to control audio, video, and photos from across the room.
| Price when rated: | $599 |
|---|
Pros
- Analog- and digital-audio input and output
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
- Front Row software with Apple Remote
- Improved performance in many native applications
- Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- RAM is difficult to upgrade
- Improvements over G4 Mac mini not as dramatic as Core Duo model
- Unable to play HD video without dropping frames
- Integrated graphics reduces available RAM

At a Glance
Unlike the single-core 1.5GHz Intel-based Mac mini, this model is powered by a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo chip. It also features more storage capacity and an 8X dual-layer SuperDrive. Other features -- an integrated graphics processor that shares memory with the system RAM, built-in wireless networking capabilities, and the Front Row multimedia management program -- are the same as what you get with the 1.5GHz Mac mini.
| Price when rated: | $799 |
|---|
Pros
- Two processing cores
- Analog- and digital-audio input and output
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
- Front Row software with Apple Remote
- Improved performance in many native applications
- Built-in SuperDrive
- Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- RAM is difficult to upgrade
- Integrated graphics reduces available RAM








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